Redox Flashcards
Explain how observations from a reaction show that vanadium exists in at least two different oxidation states.
- two different colours of solution are observed
- each colour is due to vanadium in a different oxidation state
State what is meant by oxidation in terms of electron transfer.
oxidation is the loss of electrons
State what is meant by the oxidising agent.
the substance that gains electrons is the oxidising agent
State how to find the oxidation state.
oxidation state = charge on ion
State what is meant by reduction in terms of electron transfer.
gain of electrons
State what is meant by the reducing agent.
the substance that loses electrons is the reducing agent
Which element is reduced in a covalent compound?
the most electronegative one
State what happens to the oxidation state if an element is oxidised.
increases
State what is mean by a disproportionation reaction.
a reaction in which an element is both oxidised and reduced in the same reaction
Explain how to write a half-equation.
→ identify the oxidising agent
→ balance atoms
→ balance charges
Explain how to balance half-equations for aqueous acidified solutions.
→ balance normal atoms
→ balance O by adding H2O to products
→ balance H+
→ balance charge
